Episode 19:  In this episode, Molley and Chad speak with their friends, Brad and Kendrick, about being new boat owners.  Brad and Kendrick were around the lakes, growing up, but now have a boat of their own.

Brad explains that for the past 4 years, they’ve been lucky enough to have inherited their parents’ boat.  “It’s been an experience from day one!”  They have a funny way of explaining how they’ve decided to handle the specific jobs when it comes to launching and trailering the boat.

Brad discusses how stressful it was launching the boat for the first time.  Kendrick called it “the excitement.” 

Molley asks about the moment they finally felt comfortable with the boat.  At the beginning of their second summer, their parents gave them their Sea Ray, which was a big upgrade from the boat they’d been using for the previous summer.

New Boat Owner Miscommunications

Brad recalls the problems they had the first time they were trailering the boat.  They didn’t have their communication and signals down, so it was pretty chaotic.  The boat ramp is always a nerve-racking situation.  Brad strongly advises that managing the boat ramp takes 2 important things:  Communication and Patience.

The four of them joke about the added pressure when you’re new to boating, or especially at the beginning of the summer, and you’re trying to get the boat launch while the kids are pressing buttons and switches, without you realizing it. 

What Is a Perfect Day on the Water?

Brad describes his perfect day on the water.  He really liked it when all he had to do is show up and ride as a guest.  He likes driving his own boat, but it’s a lot of responsibility.

What Lakes Have They Visited?

Kendrick grew up on Nolin.  As boaters, they’ve visited Green River and Lake Cumberland.  Brad adds Dale Hollow to the list.  They really got their start on Green River.

Brad jokes about taking their 18’ craft across the main channel at Cumberland and how choppy it could get because of the larger boats.  Kendrick kept her cool during one particular challenging ride.  Molley actually has a picture from that day.

Advice for Young Couples Considering the Lake Life?

For someone totally new to the water.  Brad recommends spending the summer with someone who has a boat.  The idea is to give you a reality check on all of the things that go with owning a boat.  He also discusses the importance of having a group you can talk with and get advice from as you’re getting used to owning a boat.  You might get stranded and need someone to help you out.

Kendrick explains that if you didn’t grow up around the lake and boating, it’s a whole new world.  You need a good support group.

Brad discusses the importance of understanding the size of the boat as it relates to the specific lake you plan to visit most often.  Are you going to take guest?  What water sports do you want to do?  All of these factors are important to your decision about which boat to buy. 

What’s That One Bonehead Mistake You Could Have Avoided?

Brad’s been around boating since he was young.  His parents took him on the water as early as they could.  He loves the memories he created on Lake Cumberland.  But then there will always be mistakes.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Brad figured out that he forgot the plug.  He’s scratching his head, because he’s still making mistakes, as a somewhat experienced boater.  This was the first outing of the summer.  There were so many things going on that day, including a curious 2-year-old daughter who likes to try out the new switches.  They laugh about it now, but wow, what a day.

Chad discusses the time he lost the keys to the boat shed.  He was in a bit of a hurry and left them on the back of the truck.  Two weeks later, he did it again!  Molley explains how they’ve decided to switch to combination locks.

More Advice to New Boaters

Brad comments how many things simply come down to respect.  Respect the environment.  Respect other boaters.  That includes appreciating the environment.  Clean up your trash.  Interestingly, he also asks people to not be focused on calling attention to yourself.

Chad loves when he and Molley just find a quite cove.  Molley can read her book and Chad takes the opportunity to do a little fishing.  Brad adds that it really took them 4 years until he and Kendrick go the chance to take the boat out by themselves.  It turned out to be one of his favorite times on the boat.

Molley explains how much she values those quite experiences.  Having people down to the lake is always fun, but entertaining is still work. 

As busy as life gets, it’s important to make time to get back out on the lake.  The experiences, face time, time with your kids (and their friends) and so many other positives happen at the lake.  Take advantage of it.

If You Won the Lottery Tomorrow, What Boat Would They Buy?

Brad would get a 32’ center console Sunsation.  It’d be big enough for their group of friends.  It would handle the traffic on Cumberland and it’s still small enough to be towable.  Although, he also likes Howard Boats. 

Kendrick has a different idea.  She wants more room for friends.  She’d like an open-bow runabout, at no bigger than 30’.  But, she really wants a swim deck.

What Has Been Their Least Favorite Thing About Boating?

For Kendrick, launching the boat is the most stressful part.  Brad comments on the maintenance, especially winterizing and de-winterizing.  Regardless however, boating has been such a great experience for them.

We’d like to thank our friends Brad and Kendrick for joining us for this episode.  Molley and Chad recorded this from their cabin at Trooper Island.  Check out Episode 19 to learn more about that fantastic resource on Dale Hollow Lake.

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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